How to Apply

You’ve learned about us. Now we look forward to learning about you.

We’re looking to assemble a student body with a variety of perspectives and experiences. Your academic record will speak for itself. But what else matters? While reviewing your application, we’ll also consider your extracurricular involvement in your community, your special talents and achievements, and your potential to contribute to the Occidental classroom and residential community.

Our best advice is to be yourself. There's no formula for getting in. Creative, soulful, funny, introspective—all words to describe some of our most memorable applicants, but the common thread is always authenticity.

    Choose Your Admission Experience

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    First-year

    Applying straight from high school? This is your next step.
    Occidental students study in the Academic Commons
    Transfer

    Completed college coursework after high school? Start here.
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    International

    Applying from outside the U.S.? This page is for you.

    Admission Interviews

    Admission interviews are optional, but they’re a great way to add a personal touch to your application. Connect with a current student or alum and share more about what excites you about Occidental.

    LEARN ABOUT INTERVIEWS

    Financial Aid

    meets 100% of the demonstrated financial need for all U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and undocumented students. That means that the College will help cover the gap between the total cost of attendance and how much a family can afford to pay.

    If you plan to apply for need-based financial aid at Occidental, you will need to submit your financial aid applications (FAFSA and CSS Profile) by the same deadline that you are applying for admission. International citizens have different requirements for financial aid consideration.

    COSTS & FINANCIAL AID

    Tips for Demonstrating Your Interest

    We find it particularly compelling when applicants demonstrate an interest in as a top choice. When you thoughtfully engage with Occidental during the college search process and express a genuine interest in attending if you are admitted, it helps our admission team build the next class of dynamic students.

    You can engage with and show interest in in a number of ways–both in-person and online:

    Admission FAQs

    No. does not charge an application fee. We believe that cost should never be a barrier to opportunity, and we want every student to feel welcome and encouraged to apply—no fee, no waiver needed.

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    Already applied?

    If you have already submitted your application through the Common App or Coalition App on Scoir, you may visit Occidental’s application portal to check in on your application, review your checklist, submit additional documents, and look for your admission decision once it’s released.

    Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination at :  does not discriminate against applicants because of race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, pregnancy, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

    Contact Admission & Aid
    Collins House

    1600 Campus Road
    Los Angeles, CA 90041

    Phone: (323) 259-2700
    admission@oxy.edu

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